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Most of us needed to travel to Cape Town, South Africa...

About Cape Town

In 1503 Portuguese explorer Antonio de Silva said of Cape Town
"Never before have the seas of this world taken me to a shore so beautiful. Here I experienced a certain familiarity, an inexplicable mutual understanding. Here I will stay. This will become my home."

It is a quote that aptly sums up the passion which many a visitor to Cape Town has experienced on beholding the famous Table Mountain landmark and the beautiful beaches, bays and mountains that is Cape Town.

Cape Town is situated on the Southern tip of Africa and was colonized by both the Dutch and English and therefore has strong European roots. Being South Africaís oldest city, it is locally known as the Mother City.

She is one of the most beautiful Cities in the World with a cosmopolitan air that boasts an infrastructure to match most first world cities. Her natural beauty is unrivalled and the diversity of her culture adds to her interest and ambience.

She is also the gateway to the Capeís famous World Heritage sites, Robben Island, Cape Point, Table Mountain and beyond to the historical Homesteads of the Cape Winelands. With her breathtaking beaches, surfing, sailing and fishing, Cape Town is a water sportsmanís paradise.

Cape Town, is like an oasis with a mild Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers and cool wet winters, which is in contrast to the rest of Southern Africa, where the rainy season is in summer. It is the climate that makes Cape Town unique and home to some world famous vineyards.

Inland, beyond the Hottentot Holland mountain range, the landscape is semi desert (The Karoo). In spring the Karoo is covered for hundreds of square miles with Namaqualand daisies, these flowers come in hundreds of colours, opening only in the day theyí follow the sun from East to West until evening. They attract visitors from all over the globe.

The conference is located 250 km north of Cape Town but we are all going to bus to Matjiesfontein as a group on the Thursday morning and your conference registration includes, plus the return trip on Monday.

We recommend that you arrive in Cape Town a few days earlier so that you can enjoy the beauty of this wonderful city and get your sleep patterns in order before you begin your journey into Visual Astrology.

Places to Visit – Cape Town

Table Mountain	Robben Island	V & A Waterfront
Kirstenbosch Gardens	Two Oceans Aquarium	Cape Winelands
Atlantic Coastline	Sandy Beaches	Yachting
Golf Estates	Canal Walk	Cavendish Square
Penguin Colony	Cape Point	Whale Watching

Travel Tips to South Africa

Banking
Most towns do have branches of the major national banks and their ATM's (Automatic Teller Machines). Most commercial banks are open from 09:00 - 15:30 on weekdays and 08:30 - 11:00 on Saturdays.

Climate
The climate is in general Mediterranean; with warm, dry summers and mild, moist winters. On the coast during summer the temperature ranges from 15∞C up to 27∞C. Inland it increases with 3 - 5∞C. During winter it ranges between 7∞C and 18∞C. Inland the mornings are 5∞C and the midday around 22∞C.

The south-easterly wind (also called the Cape Doctor) helps to clear the air of the Fairest Cape for your enjoyment, and drapes Table Mountain with a snow-white tablecloth of clouds that lay the "table" for a wonderful stay.

Communication Services
The international dialling code for South Africa is: (27) followed by the area code (minus the 1st zero of the area code) and then the subscriber's number. When in South Africa, the international code is dropped and the area code is used with the zero in front.

Conversions (Distances and Temperatures)
South Africa uses kilometers (km): 1 mile = 1,621km
South Africa uses degrees Celsius (∞C): 50∞F = 10∞C , 68∞F = 20∞C, 86∞F = 30∞C

Credit Cards/Currency
International credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and their affiliates are accepted in South Africa. In small country areas the use of cards might be restricted. Standard credit cards cannot be used to pay for petrol (gas)). Only special "garage cards" or cash are accepted.
The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand (R). R1 = 100 cents.

In June, 2006 the currency conversion for the South African Rand was:

$10 US = 66RAZ
$10 Aus = 50 RAZ
£10 GBP = 125 RAZ
10 Euro = 86 RAZ

Click here for an on-line currency converter for a more accurate conversion for today's rates

Cost of Living
Cape Town is rated as one of the best value for money tourist destinations from a survey of international cities recently conducted by Cape Metropolitan Tourism. To help you plan your budget we have listed the average costs of some items of holiday spending money. The prices listed may vary depending on the service provided and the location.

Can of beer (340 ml) R8,00; Can of coke (340 ml) R4,50; 20 cigarettes R11,20;
Bottle of red wine (good quality) at restaurant R67,50;
Bottle of white wine (good quality) at restaurant R35,00

Tipping
It is standard practice in South Africa. In restaurants it is 10% of the total bill (satisfactory service). The tip is usually not included in the bill. Taxi drivers get 10% of the total, and porters get R1 per bag.

Electricity
The power supply is 220/230 volts AC. The standard plug in South Africa is the 15 amp round pin (3 prong plug). The European type two pin plug is required, with an additional adaptor plug (can be bought at shops) for use in South Africa. Remember to bring transformers along, where necessary. Most hotels have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers.

Health Requirements
No vaccinations are required for cholera or smallpox. If arriving from a yellow fever zone, you must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate.

Languages
South Africa has 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, North - Sotho, South - Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. In the Western Cape English, Afrikaans and Xhosa are used the most. Most establishments/attractions do have staff speaking German, French or Italian

Tourist Safety
Please take the normal precautions you would in any other city or town. Avoid the unnecessary display of valuables and do not walk in deserted areas or go out alone at night. Be aware of pick-pockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas.

Customs
Personal effects (used) are admitted duty free. The allowance for visitors to South Africa is as follows (free of duty per adult)
1 litre of spirits , 2 litres of wine, 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 50ml perfume , 250ml eau de toilette; Gifts & souvenirs to the value of R1250 ,
Permits are required for firearms and are available at the entry points. It is valid for 180 days, after which it can be renewed at any South African police station.

Petrol
Petrol (gas/fuel) is widely available in most towns. The stations on the major routes are open 24 hours. You cannot purchase petrol with a standard credit card - only with a special "garage card" or cash.

Road Regulations
South Africa drives on the left side of the road.

Wearing seatbelts are compulsory.
A valid driver's license is accepted only if there is a photograph included and the document is printed in English. An International Driving Permit should be obtained, before coming to South Africa, if the license does not comply with above-mentioned regulations. The road signs do conform with international standards.

Tax Refund
VAT (Value Added Tax) is set at 14% at this stage. Visitors to South Africa are not exempted from paying tax on purchases, but they may claim it back if the total value on items exceeds R250. This can be claimed back at airports, various harbours & customs offices. An original tax invoice, VAT refund control sheet and foreign passport is required. The items that were purchased must also be presented.

Time
Standard Time in South Africa is:
2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
1 hour ahead of Central European Winter Time
7 hours advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time

Opening Times

Banks
Generally from 09:00 to 15:30 on weekdays.
On Saturdays from 08:30/09:00 - 11:00.
Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays.

Bureaux de Change at Airport
Open according to arrivals & departures of flights.

Chemists (Drugstore)
Open during normal office hours. Details for after hour emergencies are indicated on a notice.

Doctors
Usually open from 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30 on weekdays.
On Saturdays between 09:00 - 12:00.
Sundays closed - for emergencies a contact number is provided at their offices.

Shops
On weekdays between 09:00 - 17:30. Some major shopping centres remain open until 21:00, e.g. V&A Wharf (Waterfront) and Canal Walk (Century City).
Saturdays between 09:00 - 14:00. Some major shopping centres remain open until 21:00, e.g. V&A Wharf (Waterfront) and Canal Walk (Century City).
On Sundays most shops are closed - except for the major shopping centers which are open from 09:00 - 21:00.

Travel Agents
On weekdays between 09:00 - 17:00. Saturdays from 09:00 - 12:00. ; Closed on Sundays.